The Offering

My parents and I moved to Mayburg my freshman year of high school. Being a small town, everyone knew everyone else. Feeling like an outsider since I had met no one yet, I watched the kids play outside from my bedroom window. My mother encouraged me to go out and meet some new friends, but being shy, I just observed from a distance.1

School didn’t start for two more weeks. We had pretty much settled into our house, so I just hung around reading a lot to pass the time. School started right on schedule. We had gone shopping the Saturday before, so I was up to date on the newest fashions. With my books in hand, I began the walk to school. Most of us walked since the school was close by. Mom had already registered me. Looking at my schedule I headed for my first class.2

Walking into the room, everyone stopped talking, stared at me and then went back to chatting. I made my way to an empty seat in the back of the room and prepared for class to start. I looked around briefly for friendly face. Back in the corner of the room was a pretty blond girl with beautiful green eyes. I decided she would be the first one I tried making friends with. She looked interesting. I followed her out of the classroom. Catching up to her I introduced myself “Hello, my name is Rachel.”3

Looking at me for a moment, she smiled and the said “Nice to meet you, my name is Sylvia.”4

We became inseparable from that day forward. Sylvia informed me about the town, also kids that we went to school with. Within the first day I was up to date on all the gossip.5

Our town had a rich history. It was an old witch town. Many people had been tortured here back in the eighteenth century. Villager’s accused people of witchcraft, taking it upon themselves to pass judgment. The accused were burned at the stake or stoned to death. Then they were buried in unmarked graves in an abandoned cemetery. Others would just disappear, never to be heard from again. Sylvia’s great grandmother was one of those missing people. 6

My parent’s also became close with Mr. and Mrs. Druitt; Sylvia’s parents.7

We did a lot of things together over that first year. Cookouts, family trips and shopping expeditions.I loved those. The year seemed to fly right by. The next thing we knew summer vacation was here again. We had planned a trip with the Druitt's to Salem, Massachusetts. Sylvia’s Aunt lived there. Although I was confused as to why they picked that location when we could have gone anywhere. Either way, we were not staying home so I was happy. We packed for the trip, leaving the following morning.8

Sylvia rode with us. My parent’s caravan had a DVD player in the passenger’s seats. The ride seemed like it took forever. We passed the time watching movies and playing games. It was dark when we arrived. Our plans were to stay with Meredith, Sylvia’s Aunt, so we headed to her house.9

Pulling up, she greeted us with open arms. Her house was very old and mysterious looking. I asked Sylvia about it.10

”Her house is centuries old. We can explore it tomorrow if you want” she replied.11

“Sounds like a plan to me” I told her as we unpacked the car.12

We headed into the house and got settled into our rooms. Sylvia and I were sharing a room, which was cool. After unpacking, we went back down stairs. Everyone was in the parlor having tea and cakes.13

“Hello, ladies!” Aunt Meredith said.” Would you like some tea or cakes?” she asked.14

“Yes, please!” I replied. I was starving. Eating two cakes and a couple of cups of tea, I headed back to bed, excusing myself. All of a sudden, I felt dizzy and wanted to lie down. I fell right asleep, having strange dreams all night long tossing and turning. When I woke, I looked over and Sylvia was not in her bed. Where was she, I thought to myself? Descending the stairs, I headed for the parlor. Everyone was there eating breakfast. They offered me some, but I politely refused. I was still feeling kind of nauseas. Heading toward the front door, I went outside to get some fresh air. I had been out there for a few minutes when Sylvia came out. She looked confused.15

“What happened last night?” She asked. 16

“Honestly I don’t remember!” I told her “I fell asleep early and when I woke up you weren’t there” I continued.17

We both just chalked it up to being overtired. Enjoying the rest of our visit, we explored a little and learned some history about her Aunt's house and the town. Saying our goodbye’s, we headed back home.18

The rest of the summer flew by. We were now getting ready for our sophomore year in high school. Sylvia and I had definitely found ourselves that summer. We both had our physical appearances change dramatically. We both now looked like young women and not little girls. I was sure it had something to do with the vitamin supplements Aunt Meredith had given us. “They were special beauty enhancement herbs” she said. Whatever they were, I was happy. We looked great.19

I started feeling nauseous in the mornings. I mentioned it to my mother, but she told me not to worry. She gave me some herbal tea to drink. Aunt Meredith had suggested it. I drank it every morning and it did seem to help. I also noticed my cycle was late. I told my mom, she told me it was probably nerves again and again, not to worry. I knew I wasn’t pregnant, having never been with anyone sexually. Phoning Sylvia, I was nervous. What was going on? Her mother said she wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t come to the phone. I had to talk to her so I snuck out of the house. I climbed up to her window just as the door to her room opened. Hiding on the ledge, I could she was in her bed. Her mother was giving her some tea to drink. The same kind my mother was giving me. Now I was even more confused!20

When her mother left, I opened the window and climbed in. Trying to shake her awake, but it was no use. She was dead to the world. They must be drugging her, thinking to myself as I climbed back down the trellises.21

Running all the way home, scared out of my mind, I was going to confront my parents. Something weird was going on here. 22

When I got home, my parents were waiting for me in the living room.23

“What in the hell is going on here!” I demanded. 24

My mother looked at my father, then said “We needed virginal wombs to carry the seed” I stood there with my mouth wide open in horror.25

“You were implanted with a special seed that you will carry for seven months.” She continued “The child will be removed and raised by the sect.”26

She then looked at my father again as if she was pleading for help. 27

“Darling” my father pleaded with me. ”You were chosen to be that special host. It is an honor” he continued. I stood there for a moment, not sure how to respond.28

“Sylvia also?” I asked in disbelief.29

“Yes, Sylvia too” my father said. I was so angry. Having no idea how to react, I went to my room. I was frightened and confused. I had to get the hell out of here. Packing my suitcase, I had no long term plan. When they fell asleep, I stole my mother’s ATM card from her purse and headed for the bus station, stopping on the way to withdraw money. It was raining outside while I stood there waiting for the bus. I would have to come back to help Sylvia. There was no way I could help her right now. She was too drugged up. I picked some random destination far away from here and boarded the bus. I turned around one last time, not knowing what I was going to do. I knew they would come looking for their precious baby, but I was damned if they were going to get it. I would do anything to protect this child. 30